Metabolic syndrome among train drivers

Background and objective: Screening of risk factors for metabolic syndrome among commercial and train drivers that are considered safety sensitive jobs, is an important issue in safety of transportation system. Metabolic syndrome is consisted of disturbed lipid profile and high blood pressure and waist circumference. It can lead to reduced quality of life and higher health associated costs. This study aimed to assess risk factors for metabolic syndrome among train drivers. Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted among 281 train drivers referred for their annual health examination to occupational medicine clinic of Baharloo hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Demographic charaecteristics of participants were recorded. Blood pressure, body mass index(BMI) and waist circumference of drivers were measured. Participants’ blood sample for Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Triglyceride, High and Low Density lipoprotein were collected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP ATP III  criteria. Results: All of the participants were male. Mean age and BMI was 43±10 and  26.60±3.67, respectively. Fifty three (21%) of participants were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The more frequent risk factor for metabolic syndrome was triglyceride more than 150mg/dl. Conclusions: Findings revealed almost high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among train drivers. More studies for screening of metabolic syndrome in this group is required because of high sensitive job they have and important issue of fitness to drive.